Keaīwa HeiauState Recreation Area - Hawaiʻi |
Keaʻiwa Heiau State Recreation Area is the ruins of a temple (Heiau in the Hawaiian language) at the summit of a hill and neighborhood called ʻAiea Heights on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. The recreation area includes camping facilities and a 4.8-mile (7.7 km) trail. It also offers clear views of Pearl Harbor.
Erected sometime in the 16th century, the 160 feet (49 m) stone temple and abundant medicinal herbs in the area were used by kahunas as a type of ancient herbal clinic. The kahunas would also train haumanas (students) in the practice of praying, fasting, and medicinal healing using the neighboring plants. The reputed healing powers of the surrounding plants still draws visitors who leave temple offerings, hoping to experience medicinal benefits.
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US Topo 7.5-minute - HI Oahu - Waipahu 2017
US Topo 7.5-minute map of Waipahu Quadrangle in Honolulu County, Hawaii. Published by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
US Topo 7.5-minute - HI Oahu - Kaneohe 2017
US Topo 7.5-minute map of Kaneohe Quadrangle in Honolulu County, Hawaii. Published by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
O‘ahu - Driving Map
Driving Map of Oʻahu (Oahu) in Hawaii. Published by the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau.
Oʻahu - Vintage USGS Map - Oahu 1951
Vintage map of Hawaiian Islands - Oahu 1951. Published by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
brochures
Hawaiʻi State Parks - Visitor's Guide
A Visitor's Guide to Hawaiʻi State Park Resources and Recreational Opportunities. Published by Hawaii State Parks.
Hawaiʻi State Parks - Hiking Safely
Brochure about Hiking Safely in Hawaiʻi. Published by Hawaii State Parks.
Keaīwa Heiau SRA
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/keaiwa-heiau-state-recreation-area/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kea%CA%BBiwa_Heiau_State_Recreation_Area
Keaʻiwa Heiau State Recreation Area is the ruins of a temple (Heiau in the Hawaiian language) at the summit of a hill and neighborhood called ʻAiea Heights on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. The recreation area includes camping facilities and a 4.8-mile (7.7 km) trail. It also offers clear views of Pearl Harbor.
Erected sometime in the 16th century, the 160 feet (49 m) stone temple and abundant medicinal herbs in the area were used by kahunas as a type of ancient herbal clinic. The kahunas would also train haumanas (students) in the practice of praying, fasting, and medicinal healing using the neighboring plants. The reputed healing powers of the surrounding plants still draws visitors who leave temple offerings, hoping to experience medicinal benefits.
PARK SETTING
Keaïwa Heiau State Recreation Area is a 384-acre
park located approximately 12 miles from Waikïkï.
Follow H-1 to Moanalua Highway (Hwy. 78). Take
the ‘Aiea cutoff to the third traffic light, make a right
turn at ‘Aiea Heights Drive and follow it about 3 miles
up to the end of the road. Keaïwa Heiau is located at
the park entry. Continue along the paved park road
to the campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailhead for
the ‘Aiea Loop Trail.
The groves of Norfolk pines and eucalyptus trees
create a forest recreation environment on the hills
above the town of ‘Aiea and Pearl Harbor. A resident
caretaker near the front gate should be contacted in
the event of emergencies.
CAMPING & PICNICKING
There are 4 campsites available for tent camping
from Friday through Wednesday. Camping is by
permit only. Camping permits may be obtained
from the State Parks office in Honolulu (587-0300) or
online at www.hawaiistateparks.org. There is a fee
per campsite per night. Please check the State Parks
website for rates and availability.
Several picnic areas with tables are found along
the paved roadway in the park. Some include pavilions
with barbeque grills and restrooms nearby.
KEAIWA HEIAU
Keaïwa Heiau is a medicinal or healing heiau
known as a heiau ho‘ola. At this site, the kahuna (priest,
expert) specializing in healing would diagnose and
treat various illnesses and injuries. The kahuna would
also train haumana (students) in the practice of la‘au
lapa‘au, medicinal healing using plants, fasting, and
prayers. Many of the plants and herbs were collected
from the neighboring forest while others were planted
around the heiau.
The name Keaïwa has been translated as
mysterious or incomprehensible. Perhaps, this name
refers to the fact that one could not explain the powers
of the kahuna and the herbs used in healing.
It is unknown when this heiau was built but one
source suggests that it was constructed in the 16th
Century by Kakuhihewa, an ali‘i (chief) of O‘ahu,
and his kahuna Keaïwa. The 4-foot high stacked rock
wall encloses the sacred area that measures 100 by 160
feet. Within the enclosure was a hälau (large thatched
structure) built for the master kahuna to store the
medicinal implements and train the students. Other
features might include hale (small thatched structure)
and a puholoholo (steam bath).
KEAIWA
HEIAU
STATE RECREATION AREA
PRESERVE HAWAI‘I’S
PAST FOR
THE FUTURE
PARK HOURS
HIKING
The ‘Aiea Loop Trail is 4.8-mile trail that begins
and ends in the park. This trail runs along the ridge
on the west side of Hälawa Valley and offers views
from Pearl Harbor (Pu‘uloa) and the Wai‘anae Range
to Honolulu and Diamond Head (Lë‘ahi).
Much of this area was replanted by foresters in
the late 1920s. The lemon eucalyptus trees give the
air a light lemony fragrance. Stands of Norfolk Island
pine trees mark the lower end of the trail. Look for
the native koa and ‘öhi‘a trees as you reach Pu‘u Uau,
the high point about midway along the length of the
trail. You might also see remnants of a B-24 bomber
that crashed in 1944.
This hike is not strenuous but involves some
gradual uphill climbs with a steep switchback and
stream crossing at the end of the trail. The trail may
be muddy with sections of exposed tree roots. Give
yourself about 2.5 to 3 hours for the hike and enjoy
the plants and the sound of birds around you. Bring
water and wear good walking shoes. Be prepared for
light passing rain showers. Stay on the designated
trail and avoid side trails and short-cuts.
The kahuna and haumana lived and worked under
strict kapu (restrictions). Women were not allowed
in the heiau but could receive training outside the
heiau.
An apprentice learned the art of diagnosis by
practicing on pebbles which a kahuna laid out on a mat
in the form of the human body. Pupils learned in this
way how to feel out with their fingers the symptoms
of the various illnesses. It might take 15 years for a
student to become fully trained in the art of healing.
The heiau was badly damaged during World
War II when soldiers camping nearby took many
stones from the heiau to build a road. The heiau was
“rededicated” in 1951 and an effort was made to
re-establish the historical setting with plantings of
medicinal plants.
As you visit the heiau, please show respect and
do not move, remove or wrap the rocks. We ask that
you not leave coins, incense, candles or other such
items as they are not traditional offerings and may
cause long-term damage to the site.
April 1 to Labor Day:
7:00am to 7:45pm
After Labor Day to March 31:
7:00am to 6:45pm
For further information or permits contact:
Department of Land & Natural Resources
Division of State Parks
1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 310
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813
Phone: (808) 587-0300
(Drawing by Joseph Feher, in Ka Po‘e Kahiko
by S.M. Kamakau)
Visit our website at:
http://www.hawaiistateparks.org
‘AIEA, O‘AHU
‘Aiea Loop
Trail Map
Hawai‘i
State Parks
A Visitor's Guide to Park
Resources and Recreational
Opportunities
STATE OF HAWAI‘I
Department of Land and
Natural Resources
Division of State Parks
Cover photograph of the Makua-Keawaula Section of Ka‘ena Point State Park,
O‘ahu with remnants of the former railroad bed around Ka‘ena Point.
Railroad at
Ka‘ena Point, ca.1935
Hawaiian
Historical Society
Aloha and Welcome
to Hawai‘i State Parks!
Hawai‘i is the most remote land mass on earth. Its
reputation for unsurpassed natural beauty is reflected in
our parks that span mauka to makai (mountains to the sea).
Hawai‘i’s state park system is comprised of 50 state parks,
scenic waysides, and historic sites encompassing nearly
30,000 acres on the 5 major islands. The park environments
range from landscaped grounds with developed facilities to
wildland areas with rugged trails and primitive facilities.
Outdoor recreation consists of a diversity of coastal and
wildland recreational experiences, including picnicking,
camping, lodging, ocean recreation, sightseeing, hiking, and
pleasure walking. The park program protects, preserves,
and interprets excellent examples of Hawai‘i’s natural and
cultural history. The exceptional scenic areas are managed for
their aesthetic values and developed for their superb views.
We invite you to experience Hawai‘i, learn about its
unique resources and history, and participate in outdoor
recreation by visiting our parks. As you visit, please help us
protect Hawai‘i’s fragile and irreplaceable resources for future
generations by heeding the rules and posted safety signs.
For more information, visit our websites at:
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov
Use Caution - Be Safe
Dangers and hazards exist in our parks and natural areas.
Trails may be narrow and muddy with steep drop-offs.
Flash floods can occur in streams with little warning. Ocean
waves can knock you off your feet and sweep you out to
sea. To have a safe park visit, stay on designated trails, heed
safety signs, and do not cross streams when water levels
rise. Always check weather conditions before going and use
official sources of information to plan your visit.
Funding for the printing of
this brochure provided by the
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority.
-2-
TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Information
4
Permits
5
Camping & Lodging Permits
5
Permits for Nāpali Coast State Park
6
Group Use Permits
9
Special Use Permits
9
Forest Reserve Trails
9
Hunting and Fishing
9
General Park Rules
10
Safety Tips
10
Water Safety
11
Outdoor Safety
12
Interpretive Program
13
Park Guide 16
Park Descriptions
Island of Hawai‘i
14
Island of Kaua‘i
21
Island of Maui
24
Island of Moloka‘i
25
Island of O‘ahu
26
STATE PARKS KEY
SP
SHP
SHS
SM
SPR
SRA
SRP
SSS
SW
SWP
State Park
State Historical Park
State Historic Site
State Monument
State Park Reserve
State Recreation Area
State Recreation Pier
State Scenic Shoreline
State Wayside
State Wilderness Park
FACILITIES
ACTIVITIES
Cabins/Lodging
Beach Activities
Campgrounds
Snorkeling & Diving
Picnic Areas
Fishing
Boat Ramps
Hiking (Trail over 1
Scenic Lookouts
Walking (Paved path
less than 1 mile long)
Food Concession
Boat Tours
mile in length)
(Concessionaire)
-3-
Revised 5/17
GENERAL INFORMATION
State parks are open year-round. Fees are charged for
various accommodations, guided tours of ‘Iolani Palace, and
riverboat cruises on the Wailua River. Entry and parking fees
are charged at some parks. Refer to the attached fee schedule,
check the website, or call the telephone numbers provided
for more information about fees, hours, and special uses.
For permits and information, contact the district offices
and park concessionaires (*) listed below.
FEES, PERMIT REQUIREMENTS, AND
OFFICE HOURS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
WITHOUT NOTICE.
HAWAI‘I DISTRICT
O‘AHU DISTRICT
KAUA‘I DISTRICT
MAUI DISTRICT
*THE LODGE AT KŌKE‘E
*MĀLAEKAHANA
(KAHUKU SECTION)
1151 Punchbowl Street,#310
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 587-0300
Hours: Monday to Friday
8:00am to 3:30pm
75 Aupuni Street, #204
Hilo, HI 96720-4245
(808) 961-9540
Hours: Monday to Friday
8:00am to 3:30pm
54 S. High Street, #101
Wailuku, HI 96793
(808) 984-8109
Hours: Monday to Friday
8:00am to 3:30pm
3060 Eiwa Street, #306
Līhu‘e, HI 96766-1875
(808) 274-3444
Hours: Monday to Friday
8:00am to 3:30pm
P.O. Box 367
Waimea, HI 96796-0367
(808) 335-6061
www.thelodgeatkokee.net
Contact: info@thelodgeatkokee.net
Hours: 9:00am to 4:00pm
NOTE: Offices are closed on
weekends and State holidays.
Please check website for current
operator contact information.
*HE‘EIA STATE PARK
Kama‘aina Kids
(808) 235-6509 (fax: 235-6519)
information@heeiastatepark.org
www.heeiastatepark.org
REFUNDS & CHANGES
NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN IF REQUESTED LESS
THAN 15 DAYS IN ADVANCE OF CHECK-IN DATE.
Refunds for credit card purchases will be credited
electronically to your account, minus non-refundable
administrative fee and
5/8/01
4:24 PM
Page 1
During the Hike
In An Emergency
What is Na Ala Hele?
Stay on the Trail
Call 911: Ask for Fire/Rescue. Tell them which trail
Most accidents happen when hikers leave the established
trail and disregard warning signs. Staying on the trail
greatly reduces your chances of having a serious fall or
getting lost. Hawaiian forests are not like mainland
forests—the growth is very dense, and it is easy to
become disoriented. Thick overgrowth can mask dangerously steep drop-offs. Thin, sharp lava rock can crack
beneath your weight above deep holes or lava tubes.
you’re on and what happened.
Na Ala Hele (NAH) is the State of Hawai‘i Trail and Access
Program. NAH was initially created in response to public
concern about the increasing loss of access to trails and the
threat to historic trails from development pressures.
Currently, NAH is also increasingly engaged in multiple
trail use and management issues such as regulating commercial use, conducting trail improvement for resource
management, improving user safety, disseminating trailrelated information, and determining the current ownership of historic government trails in efforts to protect these
routes for potential use by future generations.
Be Visible: Wear or wave a brightly colored item in an
open area during the day. At night, use a flashlight or camera flash.
Be Noisy: Use a whistle to attract attention.
Stay Calm: Objectively assess your situation before mak-
Stay Together
ing any decision. Stay calm and positive.
Hikers separated from their partners are more apt to
make a wrong turn or lose the established trail. Keep
track of each other, and regroup periodically, especially
near junctions or when the trail gets obscure. Monitor
everyone’s condition. Dehydration, sunstroke, hypothermia, and fatigue can hit even experienced hikers.
chances of getting into further trouble, especially after dark,
by staying in one place. This is why it is important to notify
someone of your hike location and destination.
Avoid Undue Risks
Stay Warm: Wind and
Climbing waterfalls and following narrow ridgelines or
gulches off the trail can place you in danger. Rock climbing is extremely dangerous due to the crumbly and
porous nature of the volcanic rock. There have been fatal
accidents from crumbling rock...don’t take the chance.
rain can drain your body of
warmth, and be life-threatening. Get out of the wind
and use your rain gear or
extra clothes to stay warm.
Stay Put: You will be found more quickly and reduce the
When might you
need emergency
assistance?
•
When an injury or illness
prevents walking.
•
When extremely bad
weather hits.
•
When it’s too dark to see.
•
When you’re extremely
fatigued or dehydrated.
•
When you’re disoriented or
lost.
Monitor the Weather
Keep an eye on the sky. When hiking into valleys or
crossing streams, be mindful of rain conditions along the
mountain top or ridges that can suddenly raise the water
level in the stream. Use extreme caution if attempting to
cross a swollen stream...rushing water is very powerful.
It is better to find an alternative route, or wait until the
water subsides.
Watch the Time
Hawai‘i does not have daylight savings time, and night
falls quickly in the tropics. Getting a late start increases
the possibility of getting caught in the dark. Know your
turnaround time and stick to it to allow enough time to
return. If you’re caught by darkness, stay put unless you
are very familiar with the trail and have a flashlight.
Hiking Safely
This brochure is subject to Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the
Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of
the Education Amendments of 1972, and
offers all persons the opportunity to participate in programs or activities regardless of
race, color , national origin, age, sex, or disability. Further, it is agreed that no individual
will be turned away from or otherwise denied
access to or benefit from any program or
activity that is directly associated with a program of the recipient on the basis of race,
color, national origin, age, sex (in educational activities), or disability.
•
When you’re stranded,
scared, and unable to move.
Na Ala Hele deeply appreciates any public interest and
desire to assist in the stewardship of trails in Hawai‘i. Trails
require continuous attention to insure the quality of the
trail experience, the safety of the trail users, and for the
proper management of the natural and cultural resources.
Na Ala Hele relies frequently on community volunteers for
providing the essential person-power to conduct trail
restoration or construction projects. For more information,
contact the Na Ala Hele staff on your island:
O‘ahu:
Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i:
Kaua‘i:
Big Island:
I N
H A W A I ‘ I
(808) 973-9782
(808) 873-3508
(808) 274-3433
(808) 974-4217
A portion of the content of this brochure was originally created throu